Current Sunshine Coast Division 8 Councillor Jason O’Pray has confirmed his intention to run for mayor in the local government elections in March.
Cr O’Pray launched his campaign this morning outside Maroochy Surf Club, where he is a life member, telling supporters “the timing’s right”.
“Today I am announcing that I’m ready, I’m totally ready, and I’ll be running in the 2024 local government elections to become your Sunshine Coast mayor,” he said.
“Why am I running for mayor? The people of the Sunshine Coast deserve an experienced, steady set of hands, someone who knows what they’re doing and is ready to start right now.
“This council is a very complex operation serving around about 350,000 people. It’s a $1 billion a year organisation and it’s an enormous responsibility to take on.
“Experience I believe is everything. I bring you 12 years’ experience on Division 8 for the Sunshine Coast Council and I understand it completely.
“I’ve had 12 years heading economic development, tourism, sport, major events, food, agriculture, cleantech industries, aviation, digital services and of course our wonderful small businesses.
“I have a wonderful relationship with my councillor colleagues. I also have a wonderful relationship with our council staff and our council contractors.”
In his speech he outlined several initiatives he would undertake if elected as mayor, including creating a hinterland portfolio; attracting a national sporting franchise such as a men’s or women’s basketball team; introducing a mobile mayor’s office; investigating a return of kerbside rubbish collections and free buses; and conducting a micro-mobility study to better understand how people move around the region.
The mayoral candidate said he had five main pillars in his vision for the Sunshine Coast.
“Protecting our lifestyle, the economy, community services, environment sustainability and our infrastructure for the region,” he said.
He said protecting the Coast’s lifestyle was about managing its growth responsibly and ensuring “we will never ever, ever, ever, ever become like the Gold Coast,” he said.
He also paid tribute to outgoing mayor Mark Jamieson and deputy mayor Rick Baberowski, who have served on council with Cr O’Pray over the past 12 years.
“As mayor I have every intention to continue building on our legacy and the work that we have done together over the last 12 years,” he said.
The father of two said he was was ready to step into the mayor’s role immediately.
“The timing’s right. I’m 50 years old, I’m fit, I’m healthy, I’m highly energetic, I’m driven and excited for the future of the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“I’ve got two beautiful daughters that are growing up now – Lily, who’s 19, and Jay Jay, who’s 15.
“As the new mayor, I can easily step up from day one and jump straight into the chair. The timing is right, and I’m ready right now to be your Sunshine Coast mayor.”
Meanwhile, a new independent candidate has announced his plans to run for Sunshine Coast Council’s Division 4 at the elections.
Mark Gilbert, who has a background in the aviation industry, will contest the division that is currently held by Joe Natoli and covers Buddina, Mooloolaba, some of Maroochydore and surrounds.
“I am running as I would like to see a Sunshine Coast Council which brings people together, rather than pit them off against each other; a council that listens to the community and doesn’t consider community consultation as a box-ticking exercise to do and ignore; a council which critically examines reports presented to it for accuracy,” he said.
“We all love the Sunshine Coast and don’t want it to lose its shine. I am not a politician and if you ask me a question I will tell you what I think, which may or may not be what you want to hear, however what I say will be reflected in my actions and you will know where I stand.”
Mr Gilbert and his wife have lived in Buddina since 2009. He is the current chair of the Community Consultative Committee for the Sunshine Coast campus of the Australian Industry Trade College and has also served on the board of a health and community service provider.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
